An inmate mistakenly released from the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis in Buckeye due to fraudulent court records has been recaptured, according to an Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry press release.
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry said David Cramer, was taken into custody without incident around 4:15 p.m. on Aug. 20 with the help of law enforcement partners. He is now back in ADCRR custody.
The agency said Cramer’s release from the Buckeye facility stemmed from falsified court documentation that was uploaded to the court docket and received by ADCRR. The paperwork appeared valid during the department’s initial review but was later determined to be fraudulent.
The case has been referred to the state Attorney General’s Office for prosecution, and an investigation is underway involving multiple agencies. Officials said the review will focus on strengthening communication and verification processes between corrections, the courts, and other justice system partners to ensure such an incident does not happen again.
“This successful apprehension demonstrates the importance of interagency collaboration and the commitment ADCRR and local law enforcement officers have to keep the Arizona community safe,” ADCRR Director Ryan Thornell said in a statement. “Public safety remains ADCRR’s highest priority, and we are thankful for the support of our law enforcement partners who aided in the swift apprehension.”
ADCRR said no further information will be released while the investigation continues.
